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WASHINGTON, D.C (WJC)–US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Washington is backing Argentina in its call for Iran to extradite the suspects in 1994 AMIA bombing. “Argentina and the United States cooperate closely in the fight against terrorism,” Clinton said at a joint press conference with Argentine FM Héctor Timerman.

“Argentina, of course, has been a victim of terrorist attacks on its own soil, and we support Argentina’s pursuit of justice for those tragic and deplorable acts,” she added.

Argentina has issued warrants for the arrest of Iranian Defense Minister Ahmed Vahidi and five other Iranians, as well as a Lebanese national, for planning and carrying out the bombing of the AMIA, which claimed the lives of 85 people.

In January, the United States showed it was ready to help Argentina prosecute the suspects in the attack, through its Embassy in Buenos Aires. The AMIA center was the second anti-Semitic terror attack in Argentina, coming two years after a car bombing destroyed the Israeli Embassy. Twenty-two people died in that attack, and 200 were wounded.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The State Department has confirmed that Feisal Abdul Rauf – who wants to be the imam of a mosque at Ground Zero – is taking a State Department funded trip to the Middle East to foster “greater understanding” about Islam and Muslim communities in the United States.

“He is a distinguished Muslim cleric,” said State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley. “I think we are in the process of arranging for him to travel as part of this program, and it is to foster a greater understanding about the region around the world among Muslim-majority communities.” Rauf is reportedly going to Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar.

What a load of hooey.

We know a lot of rabbis, some ministers and a few priests. We would be appalled to have the government of the United States, which by law favors no religion, sending a rabbi to Israel – or the former Soviet Union or France or Argentina, where there are communities of Jews – to talk about how Jews live in the United States. Having a priest travel to the Vatican, Honduras, Ireland or the Philippines to describe the lives of American Catholics would be outrageous. Likewise, ministers to Sweden.

What business is it of the American government to send a Muslim to Muslim-majority countries to talk about Islam? How offensive is it to think that the American government is using American tax dollars to fly a non-government person around the world to promote the activities and lifestyle of a particular religion? Better to send a non-Muslim American government official to talk about American religious freedom, cultural diversity and the virtues of the secular, democratic state.

To the speculation that Rauf will engage in fund raising for the proposed mosque at Ground Zero, Mr. Crowley said, “That would not be something he could do as part of our program,” he said.

We’re so relieved. And we’re so sure he will do only as the American government desires.

But Debra Burlingame, a 9/11 family member told The New York Post, “‘We know he has a fund-raising association with Saudi Arabia,’ … noting that the Saudis have contributed money to underwrite programs by the American Society for Muslim Advancement, a not-for-profit that Abdul Rauf runs with his wife and that is one of the sponsors of the Ground Zero mosque. ‘He’s going to the well, and how can they say they do or don’t know what he’s doing?'”

To be entirely clear, JINSA believes Ground Zero is a battlefield cemetery – the site of a battle for the liberal democratic state. We oppose the building of a Muslim sectarian monument there because regardless of what its supporters say, it will be widely understood in the Muslim world as a battlefield monument in the name of Islam.

Does the State Department really think Rauf (who said in English that the United States bears responsibility for 9-11) will tell the Saudis, Bahrainis and Qataris that he is building a monument to cultural understanding, interfaith relations and peace in New York because America is a good, safe and decent place for Muslims as long as they understand the secular, democratic nature of the United States? And that he doesn’t want their money because Americans will fund the mosque?

And how will the State Department know?

*
Bryen is senior director of security policy of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. Her column is sponsored by Waxie Sanitary Supply in memory of Morris Wax, longtime JINSA supporter and national board member.

Jewish congregation prepares to sue New Zealand government over shechita

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, 23 July 2010 (Press Release)–The Working Group on shechita of the Auckland Hebrew Congregation has tried to engage further with theMinister of Agriculture.

The Minister is firm in his resolve to preserve his position, which does not give the Jewishcommunity a secure continuing supply of kosher meat, and only offered an unacceptable short term option. Accordingly agreement could not be reached. This is disappointing and has meant turning to progress the work on a legal action.

A leading law firm has been engaged and has prepared draft proceedings. These are currently being reviewed by a QC and a final decision will
be made following receipt of his advice.

Resources are being put in place to fund this course of action. We will continue to keep you informed of progress.

B’nai B’rith Australia/New Zealand has taken a lead donating A$ 5000 to the New Zealand Jewish Community to assist in financing the legal challenge, which is estimated to costs in excess of NZ$350,000

*Israel a marker in Australian elections

SYDNEY, 28 July – Malcolm Turnbull reaffirmed his “unequivocal support” for Israel at a New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies plenum on Tuesday night.

Turnbull, the incumbent, presented his credentials for the upcoming federal election, alongside his fellow candidates in Wentworth, the ALP’s Steven Lewis and the Greens’ Matthew Robertson.

The men did not debate each other, rather each was given an opportunity to address the gathering, which also included a question and answer session.

Turnbull said there may be occasions when “we may not agree with the tactics” of the IDF, but stressed there was a big distinction between the
strategic issues Israel faces and tactics used by the IDF.

“It is not realistic for us sitting here in Sydney in the safety of Australia to try and second guess and critique how the IDF handles a particular mission,” he said.

“Where Israel needs our support is in the fundamental strategic question, and that is in ensuring that Israel’s security is protected.”

Turnbull slammed the Rudd-Gillard Government’s record on Israel, singling out Australia’s abstention at a United Nations vote on war crimes in Gaza.

Turning his attention to local issues, Turnbull criticised Labor for its failure to introduce an emissions trading scheme, its bungled insulation program and “the billions wasted” in the Building the Education Revolution (BER) program.

In response, Lewis outlined the many benefits that the BER brought to Sydney’s Jewish schools, while defending the Labor Party’s record on Israel.

“The Australian Labor Party has been and remains a friend and strong ally of Israel,” he said, pointing out Australia diplomat “Doc” Evatt’s role in the establishment of Israel and the Government’s resolution last year in
congratulating Israel on its 60th anniversary.

Lewis also pointed out Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s efforts, as education minister, in getting Holocaust studies included in the draft national school curriculum.

He warned the meeting that a vote for Turnbull was really a vote for Abbott. “I have a genuine fear that this country, led by Tony Abbott, will take a path down a conservative road that will not be in the interest of all of us,” he said. “I ask that you vote for me and ensure that Julia Gillard can return and continue the good work that she has started.”

Greens candidate Matthew Robertson expressed his gratitude at being given the opportunity toaddress the forum before outlining the need for
“urgent action” on climate change.

Conspicuously, Robertson did not mention Israel. When asked during question time about the Greens’ policy in light of their frequent criticism of
Israel, Robertson said the Greens supported “the right of the Israeli people to live within safe and secure UN-mandated borders”.

“The Greens take support from the core principle of peace and nonviolence, and we wish to see a safe and secure resolution to the conflict in the Middle East,” he said

*
Jewish Veterans at mainstream venue

MELBOURNE, 29 July – Victoria’s Jewish ex-servicemen and women will find their diaries filling quickly, as the organisation representing
them tries for a new lease on life.

To set the ball rolling, the Victorian Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women (VAJEX) is planning its first ever military “pilgrimage” service at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance on August 1.

“It’s to commemorate the Jewish dead who fell in war. The thinking is that VAJEX, in its 81 years, has never, as far as we know, had a service at
the Shrine. We’ve taken a step forward with this, and it has been in the planning for a year,” VAJEX president Ben Hirsh told The AJN.

Addressing the initiatives that will hopefully inject new vigour into the association, Hirsh said: “To keep going, we’ve changed the rules to
admit non-service members, and we’re hoping many more who had relatives in the forces will join. It’s to keep alive a Jewish organisation that’s being going since 1929.”

The service will feature a shofar-blowing ceremony by Rabbi Phillip Heilbrunn, and will include VAJEX patron Major General Jeffrey
Rosenfeld and chaplain Rabbi Dovid Gutnick. The gathering will take place beneath a VAJEX flag, which will fly from dawn to sundown, and the organisation’s banner.

Other events planned in the coming months include a commemoration at the graveside of Sergeant Issy Smith of the Imperial Army’s Manchester Regiment in Fawkner Cemetery on September 12, and a gathering at Brighton Cemetery on October 8 to honour the memory of Australia’s greatest
military figure, Sir John Monash, 79 years after his death.

The organisation will also be taking part in the annual Monash commemoration at State Parliament on August 6.

*
Church vs State

CANBERRA, 30 July – As the roof body of Australian churches urges its members to consider A boycott of goods produced by Israeli settlements,
tensions have flared between Christian and Jewish leaders. Are interfaith relations heading to a new low?

Australia’s roof Christian body is urging Australian churches to boycott goods produced by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. The motion, which also calls for a end to the blockade of Gaza, was passed by the National Council of
Churches in Australia (NCAA) in Canberra last week. Affirming the solidarity of the NCAA with Palestinian Christians, the resolution states that the NCAA will advocate and act for the end of the occupation of the Palestinian people.
It also “calls on the member-churches of the NCAA and the wider Australian community to consider a boycott of goods produced by Israeli settlements
in the occupied Palestinian territories”.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) president Robert Goot said in a letter to the NCAA that the motion came “as a complete and most unpleasant surprise.”

“We feel that we have been badly let down by people we have long thought as our friends”, Goot said. ECAJ vice-president and president of the ACT Jewish Community, Dr Anita Shroot had addressed the forum on behalf of the ECAJ. “I felt welcomed when I was there and then I was shocked and reeling when I got a note from Robert about what happened”, she said. “Frankly I have
quite a few real friends who were there, but there is obviously an element that swung the motion”.

NCAA general secretary Reverend Tara Curlewis said this motion does not mean the NCAA supports theboycott. “We were asked to consider this by the
heads of the churches of the Middle East, so we are asking our churches to consider the proposal by looking at the positives and negatives of it”, Rev Curlewis said.

The Australian Christians Supporting Israel is one organisation that was not happy with the motion.

*Opposition Leader criticises Government policy on Israel

MELBOURNE, 30 July – Speaking at an Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce lunch in Melbourne lastt week Opposition Leader Tony
Abbott took the opportunity to criticise the Rudd-Gillard Government’s record towards Israel.

“I have to say that it’s a little disappointing, given the deep affinity between the Australian people and the Israeli people that the current Australian Government has somewhat weakened our longstanding bipartisanship on Israel,” Abbott said before the crowd of more than 1000 businesspeople and Liberal Party faithful.

“I want to reiterate here today, the Coalition’s unshakable commitment to Israel’s security and I want to assure you that a Coalition government
would never support a one-sided United Nations resolution against Israel to curry favour with an anti-Israel majority in the General Assembly,” he said.

He continued: “And we would never overreact to any international incident, because we appreciate that Israel is under existential threat in a way
that almost no other country in the world is.”

He told guests, including dozens of the nation’s finest journalists, who were following Abbott’s campaign trail, that Australia needs to appreciate that “a diminished Israel diminishes the West”.

The Opposition Leader also used the opportunity to pay tribute to the achievements of the local Jewish community. He commented that Australia is
the only country in the world, apart from Israel, where Jewish people have occupied the highest offices, including as the governor-general.

Costello, who travelled with Julia Gillard to Israel last year for the Australia-Israel Leadership Forum, delivered the vote of thanks, endorsing his former cabinet colleague’s tilt at the top job.

“Tony Abbott is a man of commitment and a man of drive,” Costello said. “I know he was party of a very successful government, I don’t know that about Julia Gillard.”

*

Major boost for school security

CANBERRA, 2 August – The $20 million fund for school security has been topped up with another $15 million, much of it likely to be given to Jewish schools.

Minister for Home Affairs Brendan O’Connor announced the program extension at Melbourne’s Beth Rivkah Ladies College on Tuesday.

Joining him for the announcement were ALP incumbent in Melbourne Ports Michael Danby, and fellow Jewish Labor MP Mark Dreyfus, who is re-contesting the seat of Isaacs.

The announcement received bipartisan support, ensuring it would be a done deal whoever becomes prime minister.

“The Government must intervene where necessary to assist schools that have more danger or more risk associated with them,” O’Connor told a school
assembly of senior Beth Rivkah girls. “It ensures that those schools are able to dedicate more resources to the primary purpose of education.”

A Liberal party spokesperson confirmed that a formal announcement regarding its own promise will be made by the Coalition in coming weeks.

Like the previous rounds of funding distributed over the past two years, the program will continue to support those schools at risk of racist or religiously motivated attacks.

“This will allow our schools to use education funding for education purposes,” co-chair of the Australian Council for Jewish Schools Nechama Bendet told the minister. For Jewish schools, she emphasised, spending money on protecting students was “not as a matter of a choice, but of necessity”.

Danby personally thanked the minister for his assistance and praised his party for its commitment to education.

“Brendan, I really appreciate the seriousness with which you and your advisers address this issue,” he remarked.

“If you were looking objectively at the amount of resources either in building classrooms, beautifying playgrounds, funding for some of these schools that didn’t get their correct allocation, like Yeshivah and Beth Rivkah, or
programs like the security funding, you’d have to say this was a golden period of government support for all schools in Australia, including Jewish schools.”

Dreyfus commented that a week earlier had been the anniversary of the bombing of a Jewish centre in Argentina, which killed 85 people in 1994.

“I wish that had never happened, but having been to Buenos Aires since then, I can say that I don’t want to see in Australia the kind of security arrangements that every single communal facility – every school, every synagogue, everymeeting place – of that very large Jewish community has, I never want to see that in Australia.

“One way in which we can deal with that is the kind of additional expenditure met by the Government for security arrangements in our schools.”

*
Habonim celebrates seven decades

MELBOURNE–Habonim Dror will commemorate 70 years in Australia next month with celebrations planned for Melbourne and Sydney.

Melbourne’s reunion event at the Glen Eira Town Hall on August 7 will feature a show and light supper, while Sydney will be treated to dinner
and dancing on August 28 at a yet-to-be-decided venue.

Melbourne organiser Robyn Davis said the event is for people who have attended Habonim anywhere in the world.

“It will be an opportunity for all past members of Habonim to get together, talk, dance, celebrate and talk about their time at Habonim,” she said. “It’s a very special event to signify the role that Habonim [has] played within the
Jewish community – it also has demonstrated that it has been a community in itself.”

Head of Sydney’s Parents and Friends of Habonim Peter Royal said the initial venue chosen for the gala reunion is now too small.

“We have been bowled over by the level of response from people,” he said.

He said around 300 people are expected to attend, adding that absolutely anyone who has been involved with Habonim worldwide, including in
South Africa and South America are welcome to join the celebration.

“The idea is to try and have anyone who had any association with the movement participate in the Habonim 70th, to have a fun time and to get
together, and get to know other people who were in the past movement or in the present movement,” he said.

Royal said it is important for all Jewish children to belong to a youth movement, whether or not it is Habonim.

“The whole idea is synagogues give you a reason for why you’re Jewish, schools teach you the history of the Jewish people and the youth
movements teach you how to have fun and be proud to be Jewish.”

BUENOS AIRES (WJC)–several hundred people have commemorated the 16th anniversary of the bombing of the AMIA Jewish center, in which 85 people died and hundreds were injured. Speakers at the ceremony, which was organized by the group ‘Memoria Activa’ and attended by former Argentine President Néstor Kirchner, called for justice and highlighted the fact that nobody has yet been brought to trial over the worst terrorist attack in the history of South America.

Spanish judge Baltasar Garzón laid a wreath in honor of the victims and addressed the gathering outside the reconstructed AMIA building, which on 18 July 1994 was hit by a massive blast from a car bomb. According to the prosecutor in the case, Alberto Nisman, the attack was masterminded by senior figures in the Iranian regime and carried out by Hezbollah operatives. Garzón criticized the slowness of the Argentine justice system and said: “Belated justice is no justice”. He added: “When will we finally understand that the fight against impunity is the responsibility of all of us?” Garzón, who as a Spanish judge investigated former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, called on the United States to provide “real support” so Iranian officials accused of involvement in the AMIA bombing stand trial.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the attack, the president of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder, in a statement urged the international community to do more to bring about justice for the victims. Lauder said it was “blatantly obvious” that Iranian and Hezbollah officials had masterminded the bombing. He said: “On this sad anniversary, we express our solidarity with the survivors, the families of the victims, and with the Argentine people. We applaud the remarkable efforts undertaken by the Argentine authorities and Prosecutor Alberto Nisman in recent years, to determine who committed this atrocity. However, yet another year has passed, and justice still hasn’t been done. This is because the regime in Iran – a sponsor of terrorism world-wide – is refusing to cooperate. No wonder: one of the main suspects, wanted by Interpol, is none other than Ahmadinejad’s current defense minister, Ahmad Vahidi…!”

The WJC president urged the United Nations and other international bodies to do more against state-sponsored terrorism. “It is not just Jewish communities world-wide that are affected by terrorism, but Jews are often the first to suffer attacks. Governments that aid, finance or protect terrorists must be named and shamed,” Lauder declared.

Meanwhile, the Latin American Jewish Congress, the regional branch of the WJC, held a conference on fighting terrorism which was attended by parliamentarians, officials and Jewish leaders from across Latin America.

Guest Time – Summer time becomes smug-time for San Diegans. For no matter what part of the country our guests come, we need never apologize for that “unusual weather.”

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Cohen, had as their guest her sister, Miss Glenna Lipit of New York. Miss Lipit visited Catalina and relatives in Bevberly Hills and was impressed with all we have to offer, she’s sure to be back soon.

Visiting the Al Hutlers for two weeks are Al’s sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Max Becker and daughter, Frances, of Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Lester Alweis and children, Donald and Lane, of Lewistown, Mont., have been guests of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Alweis.

Mr and Mrs. Richard Moorsteen and Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Slater and daughter, Amy, will arrive next week to be houseguests of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Moorsteen.

Betty, Len, Dick and Pat are ow on a hiking trip through Yosemite Park.

Mrs. H. Berner has young Mike Williams (Michael Schwartz) to thank for prolonging her father’s stay here. Mr. Cecil Coleman of Venice, Calif., planned to spend just a weekend with his daughter but was so impressed with young Mike’s talents he stayed a full week in order to catch Mike’s TV appearance last Saturday.

Champions in the Making – Judy Karp, daughter of MR. and Mrs. Lou Karp, at 8 years of age, has the makings of a golf champion. Last year she won her first championship at the Presidio Golf Course Tournament held for girls. This year, playing an exhibition match she made a hole-in-one on a 110-yard drive with a number 7 iron. She is rated by golf professionals as the best girl prospect for the year. Judy will defend her championship at Presidio Hills at the tournament to be held about Sept. 10. Don’t say we didn’t warn you that you will be hearing more from this miniature “Babe.”

Another outstanding athlete to be watched is Martin Schiller of Pacific Beach. He will compete next week in the 5th Annual Jr. Tennis Tournament in Balboa Park, August 23-26.

Aloha – The picture of the hula dancers on the post card received from Ike Jacobson make it easy to see why Ike finds Hawaii “a wonderful place to enjoy yourself.”

New Home – Congratulations to Sol and Eve Chenkin who have moved into their lovely new home at 5924 Adams Avenue.

Horrors! Florida! – Alan Mishne, president of Zeta Beta Tau State College Chapter will fly to Miami, Florida to attend the 56th Annual ZBT Convention on August 25. He will be met in Miami by Harvey Goodfriend who, at the present time, is vacationing in New York. Following the convention, Alan will fly to Cleveland to visit with the Mishne family.
Welcome Party—The Leah Weinberg Memorial Minyan held their meeting Saturday night in the form of a party with all the husbands attending. This was to honor the return of MRs. Louis Stitzel’s sister, Mrs. Shirley Rebuf, to San Diego and the Minyon.

Dinner and cocktails were served in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stitzel.

*
Dr. and Mrs. Charles A. Fleischner will leave San Diego on September 4 for an extended four-month vacation through Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean Islands. They will visit with relatives in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Caracas, and on their return trip will spend Thanksgiving with Mrs. Fleischner’s sister in New York and Florida, and also visit with her mother and other members of their family in Chicago. They will return to their home via New Orleans late in December. The entire trip will be made via Pan American.

Thanks – Lee and Morris Douglas wish to thank all their friends for their many kindnesses during Lee’s recent illness.

*
Deborah Ann Kuntz, born to Dr. and Mrs. Seymour Kuntz, on August 8, will have 4 ½ year old twin sisters, Barbara Susan and Carolyn Louise waiting on her every need.

Grandparents are Hyman Kuntz of Chicago and Anna Kanefsky.
*
Mr. and Mrs. Louis Packer (Edith Schertzer) announce the birth of their first child, a son, Charles Harvey, on August 13. Grandparent are Mr. and Mrs. Julius Packer of New York City and Mr. and Mrs. Louis Schertzer.

Present for the Bris to be held August 22 at the Schertzer residence will be young Charles’ great-aunt, Mrs. Rose Schneider, and daughter, Shirley, of New York.

*
Every day Eleanor has something new and wondrous to report to Irv about “Sandy,” the new master of the Kahn homestead. Daughter, Barbara, who is away at camp, still awaits the thrill of greeting the new arrival.

Samuel James (Sandy) was born July 21. Maternal grandmother is Mrs. Samuel Barlin of Santa Monica. Paternal grandparents are Mrs. Fanny Kahn and Mr. A.J. Kahn.

*ClassifiedSouthwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 3

Large Bedroom with adjoining bath for employed lady in widow’s home. ½ block to 3 buses. Very reasonable. Phone CY-5-4309.

The Beth Jacob P.T.A. will hold a Family Basket Picnic on Sunday, August 22, at Balbo Park, Sixth and Laurel Sts. Games will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Bring your own lunch. Ice cream and cold drionks will be furnished for the children and available for adults.

There will be fun and surprises for all. Be sure to bring your family for a wonderful relaxing day.

Hebrew School classes at Beth Jacob resumed on Tuesday, August 17 and will meet on Tuesday and Thursday. Bar Mitzvah classes will meet Monday and Wednesday.

If you have a child of 6 years. And upward register him in Hebrew School. There is no tuition for members of the Congregation. All children are welcome.

Junior Hi — Junior High group found it necessary to postpone plans for a beach party in order to prevent conflict with the Day Camp program. Party is now scheduled to be held Monday evening, August 30. All those participating are to meet at the Jewish center at 4:30 … The Day Camp bus will take them to Santa Clara Point. Program includes swimming, wienie roast and cam p fire games with singing, etc.

The following members are responsible for planning the program: Eddie Varon, Mel Brav, Randy Selton, Linda Hess and Roberta Schwartz. All Junior High youngsters interested in participating are urged to call the Center for detailed information. A 75c charge will cover the cost of the cook-out and transportation. The group will return to the Center at 9 p.m. where they’re to be met by their parents.

Parents are urgently needed as chaperons for the above event and are requested to phone the Center to assist in the program.
Volunteer Recruitment Program—The Center is now busy developing plans for the organization of clubs and special interest groups for the club year beginning Sept. 15. The success of such a program will depend largely upon the support given by the community. We need volunteers to serve as Club Leaders for Junior High and High School age youngsters, play leaders for younger children, and people with special skills such as dancing, musical accompaniment, dramatics, crafts, etc. People with special hobbies are urged to discuss their interests with a member of the Center staff since such hobbies as stamp collecting, photography, etc., could be developed into excellent Center programs.

Members of the Jewish community are invited to call the Center and let us know whether their youngsters are interested in affiliating with a club. Specific information regarding age and interest will enable the Center to provide a program that will truly meet the needs of the community.

Camp Jaycee—Two hundred forty campers shared in the exciting Camp Jaycee activities which concluded its eighth season on Friday, August 20. The youngsters learned how to work, live and play together while participating in swimming, horseback riding, hiking, overnight camp-outs, cook,-outs and trips to various San Diego County sites including the military installations of the naval air station, submarine base and coast guard station. Plans are already under way for the two weeks’ winter school vacation camp period from December 20-31.

Our hat’s off to Miss Ettie Mallinger and Don Merken, who not only directed the presentation but presented stellar performances in a last minute emergency absence of cast members.

*

City of Hope NewsSouthwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 4

To beat the heat and most important, to raise money for the new Leukemia Wing of the City of Hope Hospital in Duarte, the City of Hope Junior Auxiliary have planned a Twilight Patio Supper Barbecue Party at the home of Rosalie and Harold Reisman, 6845 Rolando Knolls, La Mesa, on Saturday, August 21, at 7:30 p.m.

For a $1.00 donation they promise dancing, games, prizes, lots of fun and food galore. Everyone is invited to come and bring their friends. For reservations call Selma Lindenfeld, JU-2-6329.

*Cottage of IsraelSouthwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 4

An exceptionally attractive program has already been set up for our Fourth Annual Open Meeting which will take place at the North Auditorium of Tifereth Israel Center on Saturday, Septeber 11, at 8 p.m. The Nominating Committee has set up the following slate of new officers: President, Seymour Gates; Vice President, Dr. Hy Parrell; Treasurer, Phil Abrams; Recording Secretary, Martha Feiler, and Financial secretary, Bess Borushek, with names of delegates left open.

Election will take place at this meeting.

A special treat for this evening will be an address on the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Theodore Herzl’s death by Mr. John H. Ellsworth, President of the San Diego Museum of Man.

SAN DIEGO_-Player invitations have been sent 29 outstanding Southern California high school grid stars to participate in the Breitbard Athletic Foundation’s Sixth Annual Southern California College Prep All-Star Charity Football game here Sept. 1.

All of tho0se invited are graduated high school seniors. Each was invited on the basis of outstanding prep play during the 1953 football campaign. Only the top available talent is invited each year for the game, which annually pits the All-Southern Cal grads against a similar-picked team of All-Los Angeles City gridders.

All members who offered their services to the United Success Drive are to report to 1266 7th St. between the hours of 8:30 and 5. You can phone Academy 3-7191 to find out when they need you the most! Did you know that San Diegans who were patients at the City of Hope in the last five years received 4115 hospital days at a cost of $82,300.00?

DEL MAR, Aug. 20 – Older route horses, priming for the $25,000 added Del Mar Handicap later in the season, get their first big test here Saturday in the $10,000 added San Diego Handicap over a mile and one-sixteenth.

Twelve horses, representing 10 different interests, are slated to clash in the San Diego, a race which annually separates the wheat from the chaff among the top handicap horses sstabled here.

*(Hebrew Home)Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 4

Application for admission to the Hebrew Home for the Aged may be made through the Jewish Social Service Agency, 333 Plaza, BE-2-5172.

*Double TalkSouthwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 4

By Janet & Susan Solof

Better get in that extra bit of fun
You better take in the beach and the sun
For school is coming on its way
September 12 is the awaiting day.

“A line a day?” was what Henry Bray, Alice Lee, Linda Douglas, Martin Winer, Jean Goldstein, Roberta Wyloge, Al Abrams, Elaine Burdman and Ethel Gardiner said to Danny Schaeffer (sic, Schaffer) when they said their good-byes to Danny, at a party given by Judy Yukon. Danny is going to Harvard and we wish him the very best.

Georgette Lesser helped make her cousin, Ken Kadet’s visit memorable. Dancing and eating in her patio with her friends made it quite complete.

It was a surprise when Sandy Byrock walked into a terrific party given by Linda Zuckerman and Susie Hutler and all Sandy’s friends. IT was the official good bye as Sandy is leaving San Diego to live in Santa Monica.

*(Speed Ahead)Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 4

The man who puts on too much speed ahead may meet reverses.

*UnveilingSouthwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 4

The unveiling of a monument for Joseph Dembo will take place at the Home of Peace Cemetery on Sunday, August 29, at 2;00 p.m. Friends are cordially invited to attend.

Preparations for Ensenada’s greatest fair, “Feria de Todos Santos,” are in full swing and will be completed much before the August 28th opening date.

A month long event, the fair will feature colorful Mexican entertainment including native dances, rodeos, cock fights, bull fighting demonstrations, grease pole contests and varied fun facilities with each day being highlighted by honoring one of Baja California’s prime attributes.

The fairgrounds, covering several acres of land immediately opposite Ensenada’s luxurious Bahia Hotel, will be a blaze of lights as the colorful concession and carnival gayety create a Mexican version of a “Great White Way.” All games of chance permitted by the Mexican law will be presented with much wagering expected on all sides.

A driver’s license is a license for life or death – depending on how you use it.

*(Politics)Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 4

At this time politics are on vacation – but even so considerable bait is being dug.

*(Pay Scale)Southwestern Jewish Press, August 20, 1954, page 4

Nowadays if a man makes half enough to live on he has to be paid twice as much as he is worth.

*

“Adventures in Jewish History” is sponsored by Inland Industries Group LP in memory of long-time San Diego Jewish community leader Marie (Mrs. Gabriel) Berg. Our “Adventures in San Diego Jewish History” series will be a regular feature until we run out of history.To find stories on specific individuals or organizations, type their names in our search box.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) wouldn’t claim to be an expert on the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, but we have long supported diversifying our energy resources – oil, natural gas, nuclear, coal, wind and solar – and our sources of supply – domestic and foreign.

President Obama said in his speech, “Oil is a finite resource. We consume more than 20 percent of the world’s oil, but have less than 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves.” He stressed energy efficiency, green energy and “a comprehensive energy and climate bill to make clean energy profitable… Old factories are reopening to produce wind turbines, people are going back to work installing energy-efficient windows, and small businesses are making solar panels… Some have suggested raising efficiency standards in our buildings like we did in our cars and trucks. Some believe we should set standards to ensure that more of our electricity comes from wind and solar power… [We have to] “seriously tackle our addiction to fossil fuels.”

It would make sense to slash the percentage of the world’s oil America consumes. And the source of our oil imports matters greatly, as Providence and geology put a great deal of it under countries currently governed by people with interests inimical to ours. But building efficiency standards, thermal windows and wind turbines won’t do it and a “comprehensive climate bill” is a red herring.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA), the source of government energy statistics, tells us that most of the oil used in this country goes into transportation – gasoline and diesel fuel for cars, trucks, buses, railroads, boats; jet fuel; and the fuel oil used for tankers and other large vessels. (2/3 of the transportation oil is turned into gasoline for cars.) Other uses of oil – heating, factory operation, electricity generation, etc. – have declined considerably. According to the EIA, “while oil continues to account for more than 95 percent of all the energy used for transportation in the United States, oil accounts for less than 20 percent of the energy consumed for other, stationary uses, down from 30 percent in 1973.”

The American “addiction to fossil fuels” is really a car problem. Americans won’t give up their cars any time soon, hybrids only nibble the edges of the problem, and when gas prices fall, sales of bigger cars rise (now, for example, as compared to the $4.25/gal we paid after Hurricane Katrina). What if we tried something radical – a public-private partnership?

The public part would be the President making a national security finding that importing oil from the Persian Gulf and Venezuela is a threat to American national security interests. He could mandate that American automobiles run on natural gas, which is in abundant domestic supply, within a specified amount of time. Existing cars could be retrofitted (they do it in Argentina) and new cars can be configured. The mandate is the public part. The private part would be auto companies producing the cars and gasoline stations (or “filling stations” as they used to be called and will be called again) creating the infrastructure to make the profit.

The 20 percent of current oil usage that is not transportation-related could come from Canada.

It is not the only way, of course, but any serious move would take a truly bold President – one who understands that imported oil funds terrorism and anti-Americanism around the world, and believes domestic oil is a risk for other reasons. It would take a President who would be pleased, not upset, by the howling of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Russia as oil prices fell in response to diminished American purchase.

It would take a President who is serious.

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Bryen is senior director of security policy of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. Her column is sponsored by Waxie Sanitary Supply in memory of Morris Wax, longtime JINSA supporter and national board member.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Israel was victimized twice this week, first by terrorists hiding yet again among the civilian population (one Turkish-sponsored jihadi boat traveling with five more-or-less civilian boats) and second by a world all too ready to blame Israel for the violence engendered by those who sought a bloody death for themselves and any Jews they could take along. By the end of the week, things began to look more normal-those who are already against remained against; those who try to split the difference split it (consider the “abstain” list below); and a few stood honorably above the rest.

1) Italy, Netherlands and the United States voted against resolution A/HRC/14/L.1, “Grave Attacks by Israeli Forces against the Humanitarian Boat Convoy” in the UN “Human Rights” Council. It is of note that the major Italian newspapers supported Israel editorially as well. In the United States, public opinion ran strongly in Israel’s favor, as usual.

After a nasty and public denunciation of Israel by President Sarkozy and Foreign Minister Kouchner, France abstained, probably reminded that in 1985 French commandos sunk a Greenpeace ship in what was called Opération Satanique. (You know what a threat those satanic environmentalists pose to Paris.) France was joined by Belgium, Burkina Faso, Hungary, Japan, Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Ukraine and UK.

2) President Obama: He almost got it right in a TV interview, but missed the essential point. “You’ve got a situation in which Israel has legitimate security concerns when they’ve got missiles raining down on cities along the Israel-Gaza border. I’ve been to those towns and seen the holes that were made by missiles coming through people’s bedrooms. Israel has a legitimate concern there. On the other hand, you’ve got a blockage up that is preventing people in Palestinian Gaza from having job opportunities and being able to create businesses and engage in trade and have opportunity for the future.”

The President doesn’t know, or didn’t say, that Hamas is responsible both for the attacks on Israel and for the misery of the Palestinians in Gaza. Instead, he wanted to “work with all parties concerned-the Palestinian Authority, the Israelis, the Egyptians and others-and I think Turkey can have a positive voice in this whole process once we’ve worked through this tragedy. And bring everybody together…”

Aside from the fact that Turkey is fully complicit in the incident and thus should forfeit any seat at any future table, the Palestinian Authority has not represented Gaza Palestinians since Hamas evicted it in a bloody putsch in 2007. Instead of hoping to “bring everybody together…” the President should be working to evict Hamas from Gaza, for the sake of the Palestinians as much as anyone else.

3) The Czech Republic: Small countries that know what it means to disappear when others find them inconvenient stick together and we are grateful that they do. The President of the Czech Senate, Dr. Přemysl Sobotka, told Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin, “As a doctor, I certainly regret any loss of life, but there is no doubt that this was a planned provocation designed to drag Israel into a trap… Many in the European community feel as I do, but they are afraid to speak out publicly… I support the position that views Hamas as a terrorist organization… It is too bad that European countries present an unbalanced position on this matter. Unfortunately, the positions of the international community are not always to my taste, particularly in Europe.”

We are reminded that 18 months ago, the Czech foreign minister issued this statement: “I consider it unacceptable that villages in which civilians live have been shelled. Therefore, Israel has an inalienable right to defend itself against such attacks. The shelling from the Hamas side makes it impossible to consider this organization as a partner for negotiations and to lead any political dialogue with it.”

And finally…

4) Mesheberach: During the Jewish Sabbath service, there is a prayer is for those who are ill or injured. The “Mesheberach” includes the name of the person for whom the prayer is offered and, in an unusual practice, the name of the person’s mother rather than his or her father. Whether in the synagogue or not, we hope readers will remember the six soldiers injured while protecting the people of Israel:

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Bryen is senior director of security policy of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. Her column is sponsored by Waxie Sanitary Supply in memory of Morris Wax, longtime JINSA supporter and national board member.